Hi Stephano
Of course it was light-hearted tease, as was mine. Relax!

I see you fancy yourself as a linguist. If you do,(and if you're not from the old -fashioned prescriptive school) then you might have graciously accepted my point that while the issue falls under the heading of grammar, it is more precisely about punctuation, as a function of grammar.

Might I suggest that you go to Noam Chomsky's work, or perhaps Fred Halliday's more recent publications? These would be of enormous benefit to you, because they are an antidote to pedantry - and you won't be patronised. If you find these works too demanding, then I heartily recommend "Eats, shoots and leaves" (I forget the author). You'll find this lighter and more accessible, and you may even find your approach to grammar and punctuation reflected there.

I must say I flushed with pride when you praised me for spotting that apostrophes are used in punctuation. Praise from above is a rare thing.

Best wishes, lighten up!xxx
Denis

PS I see you are in Sharjah; here's my advice when you feel over-prescriptive and authoritative. Get a taxi (they're very cheap there) and drive into Dubai. Go to the Creek, then plunge your head underwater for around 4 minutes while chanting to yourself, "I must not be a naughty boy". You'll feel absolutely transformed -believe me!


[This message has been edited by denis brown (edited 14 March 2006).]

[This message has been edited by denis brown (edited 15 March 2006).]